Employment gains over year, previous month

Compiled figures released by the Surface Transportation Board show Class I railroads employed 162,316 people in mid-February, up 0.05% from February 2013, and also up 0.02, or 30 employees, from the previous month of January.

Only two categories grew over year-ago levels: Transportation (train and engine), up 1.47%, and Executives, officials, and staff assistants, up 0.23%. Those two also scored month-over-month gains of 0.16% and 0.37%, respectively. Also in the win column from the previous month were Maintenance of way and structures, up 0.17%, and Transportation (other than train and engine), up 0.02%.

Of the categories marking declines from a year ago, Transportation (other than train and engine) fell hardest, down 2.21%, joined by Professional and administrative, down 1.26%, Maintenance of equipment and stores, down 1.23%, and Maintenance of way and structures, down 0.55%.

Of the two categories in mid-February declining from the previous month, Professional and administrative slipped 0.60%, while Maintenance of equipment and stores fell 0.30%.